How long to measure temperature with mercury. How to measure armpit temperature correctly.

Temperature measurement methods

There are three main ways to measure the temperature of an adult or a child:

rectal;
oral;
axillary.

The methods listed are arranged in order of decreasing accuracy of the readings obtained. You should know that the well-known temperature of 36.6 degrees is the norm only for determining temperature using the axillary method (under the armpit). For example, with the rectal method it would be correct to consider 37.3 – 37.7 degrees as the norm, and with the oral method – 37.1 – 37.5.

It is important to know

Temperature standards vary depending on the part of the body: – 36.3-36.8 – under the arm; – 37.1-37.5 – in the mouth; – 37.3-37.7 – in the rectum.

Measuring temperature using any of these methods is possible using a mercury thermometer or an electronic thermometer. Let's look at each method in more detail. Let's determine which method makes sense to use in each specific situation, how long you need to keep the thermometer under your arm or in other parts of the body.

Rectal method of measuring temperature

It is carried out by inserting a thermometer into the rectum. It is the most accurate, since the rectal cavity is closed from the outside by the external sphincter. Most often, this method is used to determine temperature in children under 5 years of age. There are a number of cases when the rectal method is the best option:

to determine basal temperature in women;
the patient being unconscious;
in case of thermoneurosis, when the elevated temperature lasts for a long time;
in people suffering from underweight;
in the presence of skin diseases in the armpits, inflammation in the oral cavity.

Contraindications: constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, proctitis. You should not take measurements immediately after taking a hot bath or shower, or after intense physical activity.

How and how long should you take your temperature rectally?

Measurements can be made with either a mercury or an electronic thermometer. The most comfortable position is on your side, with your legs bent at the knees. When measuring a child's temperature, you can also lay him on his back with his legs raised up or on his stomach on an adult's knee.

Before you begin the procedure for inserting the thermometer, you must thoroughly disinfect it. Then lubricate its tip with Vaseline, oil or baby cream. Then insert it into the anus to a depth of 5-6 cm for an adult and 1-2 cm for a child, press the buttocks tightly against each other. A time of 5 minutes will be required if you measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer; how long is needed when using an electronic thermometer, a sound signal will tell you, after which you need to wait another 30 seconds.

How many minutes should you measure your temperature with a mercury thermometer and how to do it correctly

The temperature of a person's body depends on many facts. Its exact value helps to correctly determine the state of health, the presence of any diseases, and much more. Many different thermometers have been invented today to measure body heat. But below, we will tell you how and how much you need to measure your temperature with a mercury thermometer.

This type of device is the most famous and widespread; it is also popularly called a thermometer. This thermometer requires very careful handling, as it contains a very toxic substance, mercury . It is thanks to its heating that body heat is measured.

Despite how long ago it appeared, this thermometer is still widely used, and all thanks to the following advantages:

High measurement accuracy.
Low cost.
Remembering the maximum value that was measured last time.
Possibility of measurement in several ways. Namely, oral, rectal and axillary.

Speaking about the last advantage, we cannot fail to mention that the specific time for measuring temperature with a given thermometer will depend on where exactly it is measured.

Basic rules for measuring temperature

Many people often say that the degree shows the wrong information about the heat. In fact, a mercury thermometer always gives accurate information, but only on condition that all the rules for its use have been followed, namely:

The temperature in the room where there is a person who wants to measure his liquidus should not be higher than 25 degrees or lower than 18. When this range changes, the data obtained from a mercury thermometer may not be entirely accurate.
Before use, make sure that the mercury level is at 35 degrees.
When using a mercury thermometer in the armpit, you should make sure that this part of the body is dry.
The tip of the thermometer should be pressed against the skin on all sides.
You cannot measure your temperature immediately after coming in from outside, after a bath or intense physical activity.
You must remain calm while taking your temperature.

These are the general rules for measuring temperature with a mercury thermometer . However, there are also individual rules on how to measure temperature for each species.

How long to measure temperature orally

This type of measurement occurs by placing the thermometer itself in the mouth , while its tip should be under the tongue and pressed tightly against it. Gives high measurement accuracy. And it is often used in children over 5 years of age. It is also usually used in cases where it is simply not possible to measure in any other way.

When using this type of temperature measurement, it is necessary not only to follow all the rules described above, but also to disinfect the thermometer itself. The easiest way to do this is by treating the device with a chlorhexidine solution.

Speaking about how many minutes to measure temperature with a mercury thermometer orally , it should be noted that all experts agree that 5 minutes is quite enough. And do not forget that after the procedure, the thermometer should also be disinfected as before use.

Axillary measurement

This method is not only the most common, but also the longest and not entirely accurate. Unfortunately, most people who resort to this method not only do not know how many minutes it takes to measure , but also how to do it correctly.

It is necessary to follow all the rules mentioned earlier, then you should measure it under the armpit of your non-working arm and most importantly, there should be no air between the thermometer and the body, so you should press the elbow joint tightly to the body.

Now about how long it is necessary to measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer under the armpit .

We have already said that this measurement method is the longest, so you will need at least 10 minutes to get an accurate result.

Some not only do not follow the rules of how to measure the temperature, but also cannot withstand 10 minutes, as a result of which they receive incorrect information.

We measure the temperature rectally

Most often, this method is used in children, as well as paralyzed or seriously ill people . To do this, a thermometer is inserted into the rectum. The accuracy of this type is 100%, although the procedure itself is unpleasant. And unlike the previously described measurement methods, this one has its advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages include:

Possibility of use in newborns.
Use for skin diseases or inflammation in the mouth.
The duration is a minimum number of minutes.
You can measure the temperature of an unconscious person.

The disadvantages include such contraindications as: hemorrhoids, prostatitis and diarrhea.

The procedure is as follows: the patient lies on his side, and his legs should be slightly bent at the knees.

A thermometer, previously disinfected, is inserted into the rectum until its tip is hidden. For children, the maximum insertion depth is 2 centimeters, for adults 6.

You must first lubricate the end of the thermometer with sea buckthorn oil or petroleum jelly, although regular baby cream will do just fine.

So, how long should you measure your fever with a mercury thermometer rectally? The answer is simple - 3-5 minutes. As you can see, this method is the shortest in time, because it takes at least 2 minutes less than all the others.

Despite the fact that there are now various types of thermometers and thermometers on sale that allow you to measure temperature in even less than 1 minute, a pediatric specialist like Komarovsky recommends using a mercury thermometer. And how many minutes to measure the temperature with a thermometer and in what way is up to you to decide, because we have already told you how to correctly measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer.

Source: https://lor.guru/recepty/skolko-nuzhno-merit-temperaturu-i-zhar-rtutnym-gradusnikom-vsego.html

Oral temperature measurement

It is carried out by placing a mercury or electronic thermometer in the oral cavity under the tongue.
This method is quite convenient and effective, and is widely used in Western Europe and America. This is the best way for children over five years old. Young children are at risk of injury due to improper use of measuring instruments. It is used for cases when the procedure is not possible by other means. Contraindications: inflammatory processes in the oral cavity or nasal congestion.

How and how long to measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer in the mouth

You should not take your temperature immediately after eating cold or hot food. You must wait at least 20 minutes for the information to be accurate. It is correct to measure the temperature in the mouth with both a mercury thermometer and an electronic thermometer.

Before use, the tip of the thermometer must be thoroughly disinfected. Then the thermometer should be placed as far as possible on the lower palate under the tongue and lips should be pressed tightly together. Breathing is done only through the nose.

Many people are concerned about the question of how many minutes to measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer in the mouth. So, the time required to determine the most accurate temperature value is five minutes. If an electronic thermometer is used, you must wait 30-40 seconds after the sound signal.

How to shoot down?

The drug of first choice is paracetamol. There are many forms: syrups, suppositories, tablets. Ibuprofen is used to enhance the effect. The combined drug – Ibuklin is intended for oral administration. For children with extreme heat, 2 suppositories can be administered at once: 1 with paracetamol, 2 with ibuprofen (Cefekon + Nurofen). Preferably after bowel movement.

After 15-20 minutes, the substances will be absorbed into the blood, and the action of the drugs will begin. Before measuring the temperature rectally, you should lubricate the sensitive element with oil, then insert the device into the anus 2-3 cm. The main manifestations of relieving fever are profuse sweating and a general improvement in well-being.

Axillary method of temperature measurement

It does not give the most accurate results, however, most people most often resort to it in everyday life.
However, not everyone knows how long to keep a mercury thermometer under their arm. Many people do this procedure at random and do not at all pay attention to how many minutes they hold the mercury thermometer under their arm. Let's look at the axillary method in more detail. Firstly, you should not start measuring your temperature immediately after taking a bath or performing intense physical activity. Secondly, the skin in the armpit should be dry. To do this, before measuring the temperature, you need to wipe this area of skin with a dry cloth, removing any existing droplets of sweat. Thirdly, it is advisable to use your non-working hand to measure temperature.

Before performing the procedure, it is necessary to disinfect the tip of the thermometer and wipe it dry with a napkin or towel. The thermometer is inserted deep into the armpit, then pressed tightly with your hand. It is necessary to prevent air from entering the measurement location.

How long should you keep a mercury thermometer under your arm?

The duration of temperature measurement using the axellar method is longer than any other. The fact is that in order for the temperature of the skin in the armpit to reach the internal temperature of the human body, it is necessary to keep the hand very tightly pressed to the body for at least five minutes. Plus, the thermometer needs five minutes for the mercury to reach the desired point on the scale corresponding to the actual temperature. Thus, the answer to the question: how many minutes to measure the temperature under the arm will be – 10 minutes.

How long to hold a mercury thermometer

– in the mouth and rectum – 5 minutes; – under the arm – 10 min.

Measuring armpit temperature in children

Many mothers are also interested in the question: how long should a thermometer be held under a child’s arm? After all, most children are fidgety, so it is not possible to keep them in one position for a full 10 minutes. In this case, experienced pediatricians advise first asking the child to simply press his hand to his body for about 5 minutes so that the temperature under the armpit rises to the core temperature of the body. And after that, set the thermometer for the remaining 5 minutes.

You can also wait until the child is fast asleep. Only after this, carefully place and hold the thermometer under your arm. No matter how long it takes, it is easy to fix the baby in the desired position when he sleeps.

Once the optimal method for measuring temperature has been selected, the question arises about choosing a measuring instrument.

Which thermometer to choose

There are two main types of thermometers, differing in operating principles:

mercury;
electronic.

Each of them has its own characteristics. Let's take a closer look at them.

Mercury thermometer

The simple mercury thermometer, known to everyone from distant childhood, has not lost its relevance even now. It has a number of advantages:

high measurement accuracy;
low price;
familiarity and ease of use;
Possibility of use with any measurement method;
the possibility of error is practically excluded.

Its disadvantages include:

high fragility;
the possibility of causing harm if damaged;
long time for the measurement procedure.

There are a number of rules for using mercury thermometers:

use in children only under adult supervision;
store in a special case out of the reach of children;
Do not store faulty thermometers at home.

Electronic thermometer

Electronic thermometers have become popular among the population along with mercury thermometers. In order to learn how to correctly measure temperature with an electronic thermometer, you must carefully read the instructions included with it. Advantages of using an electronic thermometer:

short duration of the procedure;
versatility, you can measure temperature with an electronic thermometer both axillary, oral and rectal;
safety of use.

The disadvantages of digital thermometers include: the possibility of obtaining incorrect information due to an error in the internal program of the thermometer. Some people notice that an electronic thermometer shows a lower temperature than a mercury thermometer. This situation occurs if the electronic thermometer is removed immediately after the sound signal is triggered. Doctors strongly recommend holding the thermometer for another 30 seconds after the signal. This situation often arises when measurements are taken under the armpit. In this case, you should press your hand closer to your body, since the temperature sensor of an electronic thermometer requires closer contact with the skin than a mercury thermometer. A malfunction of the thermometer should not be ruled out.

Doctors recommend

To obtain a more accurate result, the electronic thermometer must be held for another 30 seconds after the sound signal.

Other temperature measurement options

In some Western European countries, it is customary to measure children's body temperature in the ear canal using an infrared thermometer.
This method is quite convenient, as it takes at least 2-4 seconds. However, there is some measurement error. In addition, a high-quality infrared thermometer has a high cost. There are also dummy thermometers for newborn children. Quite a convenient invention. But the scope of application of such thermometers is limited: firstly, not all children take a pacifier, and secondly, measurement is only possible by the oral method.

Thermal strips on the forehead. They are convenient because you can always carry them with you. However, they provide very rough information about the temperature increase.

Having studied and tried all the options for measuring temperature, everyone can choose the most convenient method for themselves. The main thing is to follow all the rules for carrying out the measurement procedure and using various types of thermometers and do not forget how much you need to measure body temperature with a mercury thermometer or an electronic one.

Be healthy!

Normal body temperature in a newborn

Normal temperature in a newborn ranges from 36.2 to 37.5 degrees. In the first days of your baby's life, it is good to keep a temperature sheet in which you make notes in the morning, afternoon and evening. This way the picture with fluctuations will be visual, and you will be able to notice a certain pattern of changes.

After a night's sleep, a baby's temperature rarely exceeds 37 degrees. Read the current article about sleep >>>;
During sleep, the baby rests and calms down, at this time you can notice a decrease in degrees;
While eating, your baby works and tries very hard, and, as you know, during work there is an increase in temperature. Find out how to conveniently feed your baby from the article >>>;
Don't be alarmed if your newborn's temperature rises; perhaps you overdid it and wrapped your baby up too much. Remove excess clothing and measure your temperature after 20 minutes;
During a massage or gymnastic exercises, body temperature may reach 38 degrees, but do not panic. Let the baby rest and repeat the measurements. If within the normal range, then everything is in order.

Important!

Please note that when the degrees drop below 36.2, the baby becomes hypothermic and needs to be wrapped up.

Protect your child from illnesses and colds by watching my course >>>